What You Should Know
About Operating a Heat Pump
 

 
General Information
Your heat pump does not operate like other heating systems. In the heating mode, the heat pump removes heat from the outside and transfers it to the inside air. In the cooling mode, the heat pump removes heat from the inside air and discharges it to the outside air. The heating or cooling mode is controlled automatically by the indoor thermostat setting.

The coils of your heat pump operate at lower heat levels than fossil fuel systems. Air at the supply grills usually has a temperature ranging from 85 to 106 F in the winter. Air at the registers may feel cool compared to that from other heating systems which operate at much higher temperatures for shorter periods of time.

Even outside winter air contains some heat. As outside air temperature drops, the unit runs more to collect and deliver the necessary heat inside your home. Hence, the heat pump moves less heat in cold weather. The balance point of the heat pump occurs when at full capacity, it supplies all the heat your home requires. As outside temperature drops below the balance point, the supplemental heat (electric resistance, oil, gas, wood or solar) is required to maintain your thermostat setting,

If your home has supplementary electric resistance heaters located in the air distribution system, ask your Comfort Assured Heat Pump Dealer how the heaters are controlled. Some supplementary heaters are controlled by an outside thermostat, by a two-stage temperature control built into the regular inside thermostat or a combination of the two.

 
Suggested Operating Instructions

1. Before the heat pump compressor is started, be sure electrical service has been supplied to the compressor for eight hours in cold weather and two hours at other times. A small heater in the compressor needs to be in operation long enough to keep the oil and refrigerant separated, or the compressor may be damaged. This is also true whenever there is a power outage for more than a few minutes, and particularly if the weather is cold. If heat is needed, put the thermostat on emergency heat for about 6 or 8 hours after power is restored.

2. Do not set a standard thermostat back unless you plan to maintain the setback temperature for more than 24 hours. The thermostat should be returned to the permanent setting by adjusting the thermostat by 1.5 degree increments to avoid the use of supplementary heaters, and lower your power bill.

3. Getting the proper amount of air across the indoor and outdoor coils is very important. Check the filters every month and keep the area around the outside unit cleared. Use cold water under pressure from a hose to clean the outside coil once a year. (The electric power should be disconnected before cleaning.)

4. Do not close off more than one supply register at a time. Closing off more than one supply register will restrict air flow too much for efficient operation.

5. Keep return grills free so that unrestricted air can flow back to the indoor unit.

6. Have a qualified Comfort Assured Dealer check over the unit at least once a year
 
 

How to Trouble shoot Your heat pump
HEATING MODE
Problem 1: Under certain weather conditions, the outside unit will develop ice buildup. When the unit defrosts this ice, it gives off water vapor which appears to be smoke:

• If excess ice builds up on the outside coil after more than 90 minutes elapsed time, switch emergency heat to "ON" (located on the thermostat). Call your Property Manager if the condition does not clear.
 
Problem 2: Auxiliary heat light "ON" (located on thermostat):
• Supplementary heaters are providing heat (usually when outside temperature is lower than 35 degrees).

• Thermostat has been adjusted up more than 1.5 degrees, which causes supplementary heaters to come on until thermostat is satisfied.
• If auxiliary heat light stays on when the outside temperature is above 45 degrees call your Property Manager.
 
Problem 3: Little or no air flow at supply registers:
• Filters are dirty - replace.
• Blower motor or belt failure.
• Possible air leak from ducts.
• Return grill blocked - remove possible obstruction.
 

Problem 4: Outside unit continuously running in moderate weather.
(NOTE: All units run continuously when outside temperature is lower than 35 degrees):
• Thermostat set too high - adjust setting.
• Thermostat needs adjustment. *
• Low refrigerant level in unit. *
• Thermostat exposed to cold draft - fix draft or have thermostat moved. *
• Outside unit coil blocked by snow, ice, etc.
 
COOLING MODE
Problem 1: Outside unit continuously running:
• Low refrigerant level in unit. *
• Thermostat set very low or very warm weather.
• Outside coil partially blocked.

• Thermostat located near heat source, such as appliances, TV, etc.

• Dirty filters or too many registers closed limiting air movement.
 
Problem 2: Unable to cool house and reduce humidity:
• Condensation drain blocked. *

• Low refrigerant level in unit. *
• Possible compressor failure. *

• A door or window open.

• Check for air leaks and excessive moisture in crawl space. *
 
* Call your property manager if this condition exists.
 
Do not attempt to adjust or repair. If you do not feel you are qualified to perform any of the above recommendations, contact The Rental Office Inc. to request maintenance.